Lucknow : As summer peaks, mango shakes become a seasonal favourite across India. The sweet, juicy mango blended with chilled milk is a tempting delight—but Ayurveda experts are raising a red flag. According to traditional Ayurvedic principles, the combination of mango and milk is considered an incompatible food pairing (viruddha ahar) that can be harmful to health.
While both mango and milk are individually nutritious, consuming them together may disturb the body’s internal balance and lead to various health problems. Here’s what Ayurveda says:
1. May Generate Harmful Toxins in the Body
Ayurveda mentions that combining certain fruits—especially mangoes—with milk can lead to the formation of ‘ama’, or undigested toxic substances. Over time, this can accumulate in the body, weakening the digestive system, slowing metabolism, and reducing immunity.
2. Can Trigger Skin Issues
Experts warn that this combination may lead to skin allergies, acne, and rashes, especially in individuals prone to dermatological problems. The internal heat generated by this mix can reflect as visible skin flare-ups.
3. Risky for Lactose-Intolerant Individuals
Those with lactose intolerance may find it particularly difficult to digest mango shakes. The natural acidity in mangoes can intensify discomforts like bloating, cramps, diarrhoea, and nausea, especially when paired with milk.
4. Disrupts Digestion
Mangoes are rich in fibre and natural sugars, while milk is a heavy, protein-rich food. Together, they can burden the digestive system, leading to gas, acidity, and indigestion. Rather than aiding digestion, this pairing may cause fermentation and discomfort.
So, What’s the Safe Way to Enjoy Mangoes?
Don’t worry—you don’t have to give up mangoes or milk entirely. Ayurveda recommends a few safe practices:
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Use fully ripe and sweet mangoes only.
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Boil the milk properly and let it cool before use to avoid fermentation.
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Opt for plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk when possible.
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Best practice: consume mango and milk separately, leaving a gap of at least 2 hours between the two.
Both mangoes and milk offer unique health benefits, but Ayurveda emphasizes mindful combinations for better digestion and overall wellness. So this summer, enjoy your mangoes wisely—not in a shake, but with a healthy twist!
